Fred Royers (born March 15, 1955) is a Dutch former kickboxer who competed in the middleweight division. He was known for his powerful low kicks, which is now a staple of Dutch kickboxing.
Biography and career
Royers began practicing karate at the age of 16. He went on to become the Dutch national champion on nine occasions and also won medals at the Karate World Championships in 1979, 1980, 1982 and 1984[1] as well as the World Games 1981. He also competed in amateur boxing.
In 1978, Royers joined the Mejiro Gym and took up kickboxing. He became the European Savate Champion in 1984 when he defeated Robert Paturel via technical knockout in Paris, France. The following year, he won the WKA Middleweight Championship of the World when he won a 12-round decision victory over Yasuo Tabata.[2] He was forced to retire in 1986, however, after breaking his arm twice in training.
Following his retirement, Royers opened his own gym in his home town of Arnhem and began working as the Dutch language kickboxing commentator for Eurosport in 1990.[3]
